How to lower your risk of STIs
By My Wellness Health, Editorial team · Reviewed by the My Wellness Health clinical team on 7 Oct 2026 · Updated 7 Oct 2026
You can lower your risk of STIs by taking these steps: use condoms every time; test with each new partner; and get treated, and make sure partners are treated too. Not every case can be prevented, which is why regular checks matter.
Works best the sooner it starts.
| Who should get checked | How it is checked | How we help | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anyone with a new partner or sex without a condom: test, even with no symptoms | Urine test, swab or blood test, depending on the infection | Confidential sexual and urinary health check | Confidential sexual and urinary health check, KES 500 |
How to lower your risk of STIs: your questions answered
Frequently asked questions
How can I lower my risk of STIs?
Use condoms every time. Test with each new partner. Get treated, and make sure partners are treated too. Ask about PrEP if you are at ongoing risk of HIV. Get the HPV and hepatitis B vaccines.
Can STIs be prevented completely?
Not always. Some risk factors, such as age and family history, cannot be changed, so finding problems early through checks matters as much as healthy habits.
Which risk factors can't I change?
A past STI.
What signs should I watch for?
Signs worth checking include often no symptoms at all; unusual discharge from the vagina, penis or anus; pain or burning when urinating; and sores, blisters or warts around the genitals or mouth.
How can My Wellness Health help?
Knowing your own risk factors is the first step. The confidential sexual and urinary health check asks about symptoms, recent partners, condom use and past infections, then points you to the right next step: an STI test, a urine test, or same-day review if the infection may have spread. It also offers anonymous partner notification. It costs KES 500. A care navigator calls you back within 2 hours (Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm) to book what you need at a facility that suits your budget and location.
This page is health information to help you understand risks and next steps. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a qualified clinician. My Wellness Health is not a diagnostic service: we help you understand your risk and connect you with the right screening and care. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital or call 999 or 112. If you are thinking of harming yourself, call Befrienders Kenya on +254 722 178 177 or the Kenya Red Cross toll-free line 1199.